Work Text:
Carol Cassidy smiles softly when Rachel Dawson finally relaxes enough to sigh, stroking soft fingers through curling brunette hair tenderly. She knows that Rachel, her darling DS Dawson, has been working all hours god sends and is, fairly, exhausted.
Candles, lanterns and fairylights light the room, Carol’s smile softening when Rachel curls closer, moving to stroke soft fingers along a still bruised cheekbone. She loves Rachel like this the most, soft and relaxed, completely hers alone.
Rachel, of course, is still a little hesitant. It’s still not ‘the done thing’ to be out and proud but Carol has never once cared for rules and after Rachel is wounded, sent home to rest, Carol arranges cover from a local agency, spending her time here, with Rachel, easing her pains and tending to a broken soul finally healing.
Soft fingers inch over her waist and Carol smiles again, leaning to finally, finally kiss Rachel. It’s the first time they’ve had a real date night and the kiss is the first time Carol has accepted that she truly wants Rachel, in ways most would want men.